Freight Class Calculator
Work out the density of a shipment and see which class it falls into on the density scale used for LTL freight. Enter the size of one piece, its weight and how many pieces.
This is an estimate from a published scale. The class on your bill of lading depends on the commodity listed in the NMFC, and some items have their own rules.
- Free
- Works offline after your first visit
- Saves on this device
- No sign-up
- Updated
How it works
Density is weight divided by volume. The page multiplies length, width and height to get the space of one piece, multiplies by the number of pieces, and divides the total weight by that space, in pounds per cubic foot.
The density then sets the class. Under 1 pound per cubic foot is class 400. Each step up in density lowers the class, down to class 50 at 50 pounds per cubic foot or more. The breaks are 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 22.5, 30, 35 and 50.
This scale is for items that are classed by density alone. Items with handling, stowability or liability concerns can fall in a different class. Measure at the widest points, including the pallet.
Worked example
1 piece of 48 in by 40 in by 48 in, weighing 500 lb, takes up 53.3 ft³. That is 9.38 pounds per cubic foot, so the density-based class is 100.
Questions
Is a lower class number cheaper?
Usually. Dense freight takes up less space on a truck for its weight, so carriers charge a lower rate for a lower class.
Why does my carrier say a different class?
The NMFC item for your product may use rules other than density, or the carrier may have measured the shipment differently. Ask the carrier to show the item number they used.
Do I measure the pallet too?
Yes. Measure the largest length, width and height of the whole shipment as it sits on the truck, including the pallet and any overhang.
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